Blackpool South
Notional 2005 Results:
Labour: 16167 (48.7%)
Conservative: 10286 (31%)
Liberal Democrat: 5039 (15.2%)
Other: 1680 (5.1%)
Majority: 5882 (17.7%)
Actual 2005 result
Conservative: 11453 (29.9%)
Labour: 19375 (50.5%)
Liberal Democrat: 5552 (14.5%)
BNP: 1113 (2.9%)
UKIP: 849 (2.2%)
Majority: 7922 (20.7%)
2001 Result
Conservative: 12798 (33%)
Labour: 21060 (54.3%)
Liberal Democrat: 4115 (10.6%)
UKIP: 819 (2.1%)
Majority: 8262 (21.3%)
1997 Result
Conservative: 17666 (34.4%)
Labour: 29282 (57%)
Liberal Democrat: 4392 (8.6%)
Majority: 11616 (22.6%)
Boundary changes:
Profile:
Current MP: Gordon Marsden(Labour) (more information at They work for you)
Candidates: Ron Bell (Conservative) Blackpool councillor since 2007.
2001 Census Demographics
Total 2001 Population: 82121
Male: 48.5%
Female: 51.5%
Under 18: 21.6%
Over 60: 24.2%
Born outside UK: 3.4%
White: 98.4%
Asian: 0.5%
Mixed: 0.6%
Other: 0.4%
Christian: 78.5%
Full time students: 2.3%
Graduates 16-74: 9.1%
No Qualifications 16-74: 39%
Owner-Occupied: 69.7%
Social Housing: 8.2% (Council: 6.4%, Housing Ass.: 1.8%)
Privately Rented: 19.1%
Homes without central heating and/or private bathroom: 21.9%
I agree with the forecast of a Tory gain in Blackpool N & Cleveleys. But this seat has moved demographically even further towards Labour than the North of the town has and I would be surprised at a large differential in the swing.
Incidentally, am I right that the new boundary arrangements split Thornton from Cleveleys? They’ve always been regarded as inseparable twins before.
Thornton is now in the new seat of Wyre and Preston North.
Labour suffered in the locals for the loss of the casino to Manchester and the tourist trade (B&B, Cafes, shops etc) has really suffered in the recession. In recent times, the Tory Council has announced the building of a big snow dome in the area where the casino was planned for, the promenade has been rebuilt and smaller projects have included the redevelopment of the waterloo road shopping area.
I have already had a leaflet through my shop door from Gordon Marsden, so it is obvious this will be a hard fought seat